Hosts Cote d’Ivoire have emerged winners of the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) after a 2-1 win over Nigeria in the final match at the Stade Alassane Ouattara, Ebimpe, Abidjan on Sunday.
Goals from Frank Yannick Kessie and Sebastian Haller helped the hosts secure the 2-1 comeback win in the game William Trust-Ekong had initially put the Nigerians ahead.
Cote d’Ivoire started the match the brightest creating openings and having lion share of ball possession.
In the 34th minute, Simon Adingra received a precise pass in the box and took the shot early. The ball head inside the right post, but Stanley Nwabali showed off his skills and made a brilliant save to deny him.
Against the run of play, the Super Eagles took the lead in the 38th minute. William Troost-Ekong headed the ball toward goal from close-range and it went into the roof of the net to leave the goalkeeper helpless.
Four minutes into the second half, Max Gradel was first to the rebound but his shot was blocked.
In the 62nd minute, the host country equalised. Franck Kessie met a corner kick and displayed his eye for goal as he coolly planted a header from close range into the right side of the goal.
With nine minutes before the end of the game, Simon Adingra sent a precise lofted cross into the box. Sebastien Haller latched on to it and finished with a quick shot into the top right corner. The goalkeeper had no chance.
The host hold on to the lead and claimed their third title, equaling the record of Nigeria.
Ivorian coach, Emerse Fae shrugged off his disapointment of not winning the title as a player to claim the title as a coach.
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